Gratitude Photography Project 2014

Gratitude Photography Project 2014

Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, represents the forty days Jesus was in the wilderness being tested by Satan. As we all know he passed with flying colors so to speak. He knew he was living his real life without the bells and whistles being offered from the devil. Barbara Brown Taylor reminds us of the essential challenge of Lent if you are willing to take it on. "If you have spent a lot of time and/or money trying to acquire whatever it takes to grow your soul without seeing any new buds, then maybe a little spell in the wilderness is worth a try--a few weeks of choosing to live on less, not more--of practicing subtraction instead addition--not because your regular life is bad but because you want to make sure it is your real life--the one you long to be living. Wilderness does not have to be a bad place to be in if it brings us to the realization of what is missing in our true self."

I have certainly had my wilderness times. The first one I failed. I was a young wife and mother and my own precious mother was diagnosed with a lethal type of cancer. She was goodness, love, and a beacon in our lives. I chose to be mad at God and turned my back on him. I look back and see how if I would have only trusted he could have been a great comfort and source of strength for me. I learned years later how wrong I was. I am grateful now for my strength through faith.

In this image our family was traveling through the panhandle of Texas on our way to our Oklahoma family for Thanksgiving. The starkness and bareness struck me.

"Everything in life has its own time. There is time to celebrate and there is time to mourn. This is the time for reflection and transformation. Let us look within and change into what we ought to be." ~ Aaron Saul

Peace.

March 4,

I am thinking about a meaty topic today: a virtue, patience. Patience is applicable in every corner and turn in our fast-paced life. I am grateful when I practice patience and when it is practiced on me. I feel a good feeling when I use it and when I see others use it as well. When I display and feel patience I have a better chance of being at my best self and can share this best self with those I encounter. Patience has a way of taming the harsher aspects of our self. According to George Horne, Patience strengthens the spirit, sweetens the temper, stifles anger, extinguishes envy, subdues pride, bridles the tongue. When we keep our seat, hold our tongue, listen, or pause, we have a better chance to refrain from being reactive. Proverbs 14:29 states: A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly.

Patience is essential in any genre of photography. When I am capturing morning or evening light I have learned to wait and look for my best shot. When I am capturing wildlife images patience is key to the shot you want that is unique and the same goes for portrait and street photography. Just being in place is not enough; I need to wait and be ready to capture the moment. I am thrilled when I nail 'the moment'. This image was taken last summer on French National Day or Bastille Day. Our family and my tripod were on a very narrow french balcony enjoying the celebration. I prepared the best I could for this shot beforehand. What I had not prepared for was the ever changing lights on the tower. I remember the struggle of mindfully enjoying this fantastic event and waiting for the best shot while adjusting my camera. I love the way the flares of the fireworks finger through the tower. Patience was key here as I had to fight back fear of not capturing my shot during this once in a lifetime event.

According to Dr. Wayne Dyer, Infinite patience produces immediate results...the immediate result of your infinite patience is peace. You retreat in peace and let the universe handle the details.

I am extremely grateful for the virtue of patience.

Peace.

March 3

I turned a page on my age this weekend. Although this could be humbling and sobering, I choose to be excited about birthdays. I think having a birthday always beats Option B. I do not have the childlike excitement and anticipation and thrill that I enjoyed in my early birthdays but I do feel grateful and blessed to have more time to live fully, more chances to be kind, love, and live. Birthdays are lovely in the way that family makes you feel like you are the most special person ever and friends reach out with kind words.

I chose to spend my birthday evening with family enjoying mindless eye candy of the red carpet and the fun of the Oscars. These images capture the silliness we enjoyed of our own red carpet and evening. The questions and answers on our red carpet were hilarious.

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.~ Denis Waitley

I am blessed, grateful and ready to dive into this new day and year.

Peace.

February 28
Being a part of an organization that you enjoy, gain knowledge from, and share interests is highly enjoyable. One of these I belong to is Evergreen Camera Club. They have become my camera family and friends. This club is just filled with people who enjoy what they do and value helping others. I was a grateful recipient of help from two members. Dave and Charles helped me with card issues and upping my skill with my flash.
In a post about a month ago, I mentioned I took my card issues to B & H where Gerry patiently helped me. How Gerry ended up helping me was deciding that my cards had been zapped by static electricity thus I needed new cards. Dave all along was skeptical of Gerry's advice and wanted to have my cards so he could discover my issue. Dave returned my fully restored CF card and explained what caused the problem. I will not go into detail here but just say that it was the process I used to upload images and format my card that caused my problem not static electricity.
I had asked Charles to help me with my flash settings. He is a professional portrait and wedding photographer. Charles spent a couple hours with me patiently guiding me through practice and key factors from his work with light. He assisted me with an issue I had been experiencing with my color checker and gave me steps to take.
Both of these friends gave me the gifts of time and knowledge. I am deeply grateful for their generosity.
Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow.~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Peace.

February 27,

I was graciously and magnificently interrupted this morning while writing today's post by what looked to be a spectacular sunrise. That post will just have to wait as I took the next 30 minutes to capture, explore, and enjoy this morning's canvas. Thank you God.

Suddenly my day changed with this inspiring sky. I am truly grateful.

Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. ~Philippians 2:2-4

Do something beautiful with this day. The gift you are to others is immeasurable.

Peace.

February 26

Life makes fools of all of us sooner or later. But keep your sense of humor and you'll at least be able to take your humiliations with some measure of grace. In the end, you know, it's our own expectations that crush us. ~Paul Murray, Skippy Dies

I am indebted to humor. I have found over my years of living that it is painful to take myself too seriously. Truly. I look back at some of the things I have done or said and think, really? Girl, what were you thinking! So I learned to laugh at myself instead of mentally ripping myself apart. Grace is important here too. Thankfully with age comes wisdom or at least the door to wisdom opens and you have a choice whether or not to enter. Enter by all means. I am impressed with young people I encounter who have already learned this.

Our girl is a lover of chuck it. Rather she is a fanatic of chuck it. One day I took my camera out with us and this is what I captured. She is telling me, " If you are not going to throw it to me then I'll just do it myself! " I cannot help but laugh when I see this image.

Humor is such good medicine when taken or given at the proper time. Ralph Waldo Emerson began one of his quotes with To laugh often and much. Wise words.

Laughter gives us distance. It allows us to step back from an event, deal with it and then move on. --Bob Newhart

Peace.

February 25,

Last winter we placed an inexpensive window bird feeder on one of our kitchen windows. It collected dust and the seeds withered. I hung it again this winter. I am extremely grateful for simple pleasures and surprises.

Last week we spotted evidence of hungry visitors. Today, while waiting for a special birthday gal pal and friend to arrive for lunch, I made time to capture our recent diners. It is truly a treasure to be so close to the little creatures of our foothills, who sing their beautiful songs throughout the day in all kinds of weather ,and be able to observe them in close proximity as they nourish their little bodies. It was lovely to make time for this simple yet wonderful pleasure.

Be as a bird perched on a frail branch that she feels bending beneath her, still she sings away all the same, knowing she has wings. ~ Victor Hugo

Peace.

February 24,

When I came upon this image from a recently scanned slide, two thoughts came to me along with just how precious this image is. I thought of joy and trust. But another concept came to me as well, one of being present and in the moment. Both, Bobby and Sara were living fully in this moment.

I appreciate the moments and sometimes days that I am mindfully aware. There is so much beauty and opportunity that is available to us in life if we just notice it. Maybe it is a scent or the feeling that comes after a job well done in which attention was fully given. Or the beauty of a word spoken to you or the pain that you feel during a hurtful time. James Baraz states that mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes; being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way.

Don't be absent from your life. Be present and open to the moment that is unfolding before you. Because, ultimately, your life is made up of moments. So don't be lost in the past or anticipating the future. ~Jessica Lange

Peace.

February 21

We have a celebration in our family this weekend. It is time to hang the birthday banner and blow up balloons. We are celebrating our bonus son, Chris. This fine young gentleman walked into our life about 10 years ago and stayed! We could not be happier. Chris is an exceptional listener, has an abundance of patience, carries himself with quiet strength and is the first to rise and attack the dishes after a meal. He is handy and his help around our home on projects is wonderful. And above all he adores our daughter and is a pillar of strength in their marriage.

This image from our last day in Paris is at Luxembourg Gardens. Chris added such joy that day by seizing the moment and celebrating his inner child by renting a boat.

Happy Birthday Christopher Cosenza. We love you!

Peace.

February 20

Be the light in someone's life. I am deeply grateful for those who let their light shine so that the rest of us can benefit. Life can be challenging at times and our support system of family, friends, church and clubs is essential. What happens when a hurting person does not have a support system? Or chooses not to use one?

In our discussion today at Bible Study the topic came up of suicide in our area high schools and network of friends. In the US more people die of suicide than car accidents. Did you know that suicide is the 10th leading cause of death? This is not right. Hurting people need to know that they are loved and valued and life would not be the same without them.

This image speaks for itself. Look at it today though as a beacon that represents the light you could be in someone's life. We never know when we cross paths with a person what exactly is going on in their life. Be the light. Make time. Even if it is just to say hello.

The thing about light is that it really isn't yours; it's what you gather and shine back. And it gets more power from reflectiveness; if you sit still and take it in, it fills your cup, and then you can give it off yourself. ~ Anne Lamott, Traveling Mercies

Peace.

February 19

The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page. ~ Augustine of Hippo

Being able to take a trip to a totally different culture is a gift. I appreciate being a guest in a foreign land. It makes the world seem smaller and I appreciate what unites us as fellow habitants of this planet. It is a gift to experience the kindness and patience of residents when we stumble with the language, directions, or the mass transit. We return the kindness any chance we can to those visiting the US.

In this image we were enjoying being observers from a streetside table. We had noticed all types of bikers in Amsterdam but we were charmed with this pair of what appears to be a father and daughter heading out somewhere.

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's life. ~ Mark Twain

Peace.

February 18

I have been contemplating the balance of work and play lately. To complete my to do list and do it well is a challenge. Thankfully there is always room on the next day's list. As I reflect back on this day I have a sense of accomplishment and that is a priceless feeling. All too often I angst about what still needs to be done and that is not good. Today though I had my mental list imprinted on my brain. The unruly foothill winds supported me in this as my to dos were inside detail work that had been on my procrastination list. Polishing the cabinets and renewing the wood floors were even fun today because in the back of my mind I set time aside for play. Our girl and I needed to get out on one of the neighborhood trails.

This image, from a couple of years ago on a women's build day for our local Habitat for Humanity, exemplifies the right combination of work and play. The entire day was a symphony of nail guns, drills, saws, conversations and laughter. That was snow on the ground and the temperature was quite chilly. This work day for Habitat just made it all the more worthwhile.

I am grateful to look back on today and smile with my entire body.

This is the real secret of life--to be completely engaged with what you are doing in the here and now. And instead of calling it work, realize it is play. ~Alan Wilson Watts

Peace.

February 17,

This weekend there was a full moon along with beautiful clouds. The sky was a striking canvas of light and shadows. This image emotes a high degree of moodiness. The moon was hidden but its effects were striking.

Life is a canvas of experiences.....despair, hope; darkness, light; sadness, joy; wellness, sickness; peace, angst. It is the blend of these times that adds to the richness of life. I am grateful for this realm for when there is the unpleasant, we can know that it is short-lived and the more pleasant experience will eventually come to be.

At the end of our time on earth, if we have lived fully, we will not be able to say, 'I was always happy.' Hopefully, we will be able to say, 'I have experienced a lifetime of real moments, and many of them were happy moments.' ~Barbara Deangelis

Peace.

February 13

Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that. ― Martin Luther King Jr.

It is almost the commercial day for love so I thought I would make my post on love early for I am like you in the fact that love is needed all the time in every corner of our hearts. If you do a search of the effects of love and hate on health, you will find that one leads to positive health and the other leads to disease and illness. Love is at the top of my gratitude list.

For this image we were sitting on a park bench in Amsterdam's Vondelpark last summer and I was on a mission to capture the biking in Amsterdam. She paused to verify I took the shot I wanted but apologized that she had to keep going as she was late for an appointment. You can see the love in her.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8

These are strong words on love. Every phrase is powerful and challenging. I think we are up to the challenge and we can be the example for those who did not grow up in a loving environment or have forgotten the benefits of love.

Be the change you want to see in the world. ~Mahatma Gandhi

Peace.

February 12

It is a new day and I am grateful for a brighter outlook provided by a restful sleep. OK. No more sniveling about fatigue. Today, I am thinking about the benefits of inspiration. Inspiration has many definitions but those that apply to me today are: the action or power of moving the intellect or emotions; a person, place, experience, etc., that makes someone want to do or create something; and lastly a good idea.

I appreciate receiving inspiration from the people in my life and those who I encounter such as my husband's courage and strength, daughter's positivity, bonus son's patience, pastor's wisdom and love, and family and friends sharing their particular gifts. I think when we are inspired it provides incentive to be better than imaginable.

Today I am looking forward to hearing an internationally known photographer and friend, Dan Ballard speak to our camera club tonight. I look forward to his enthusiasm and knowledge that he will share to make me a better photographer. Today's image is one that I captured from one of his workshops. We woke at 3:30 and set out with our gear and headlamps on a two mile trail in pitch darkness so we could capture first light on Hallett Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park. Although it was a cloudless morning, the early light brought out the red color of the peak. I remember being filled with exhilaration and I continue to apply Dan's techniques in my photography.

Inspiration is important. It is like the secret ingredient in a recipe that brings together the flavors of a food. Anyone can be an inspiration. Receiving inspiration though calls for follow through with work and action. Thomas Edison stated that genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration. So I look forward to applying the inspiration received from this evening's talk and applying it in the days to come.

When you are living the best version of yourself, you inspire others to live the best versions of themselves.― Steve Maraboli

Peace.

February 11

Sleep after an important evening can come slowly and the alarm this morning was rather rude. I did not have any appreciation for its early announcement.

This image of a lone tree captured today at Red Rocks relays my mood and outlook after too little sleep - drained and depleted yet still beautiful in its own way.

Passion is a feeling that tells you: this is the right thing to do. Nothing can stand in my way. It doesn't matter what anyone else says. This feeling is so good that it cannot be ignored. I'm going to follow my bliss and act upon this glorious sensation of joy.― Wayne W. Dyer

We thoroughly enjoyed a beautiful movie this weekend, About Time. One take away for me was to live with passion. We walk through this life once and everyday we have a chance to make our mark on it and act as if this was the last day of our life or the last encounter we might have with a person. Somehow as we age we can lose our thrill for the simple things; we can lose our childlike love of simple pleasures; and we can often replace it with conformity. And all too often we can lose our passion and zest for life. I am grateful to be reminded of how precious this life is and the short time we have to love and live.

I captured this image on the spur of the moment at a picnic with friends in a downtown park. I spotted this guy coming and ran to where I could capture him. I did ask if I could take his photo even though he was in a public park and that is when he gave me the thumb up. I see his thumb up now and it represents to me the joy and passion in life, daring to be a little unique, and providing a smile along the way.

You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, love like you'll never be hurt, sing like there's nobody listening, and live like it's heaven on earth. ― William W. Purkey, educator

Peace.

February 7

Release the joy that is inside of another, and you release the joy that is inside of you. ~Neal Donald Walch

TGIF! Fridays fill me with joy. There is a definite lightness in my walk and in my expectations on Friday. Especially on this particular Friday as I looked at the temperature and it is going to be 40 degrees today. Time to celebrate the fact that the unpleasant arctic visitor from this week has departed. And Fridays are joyous as it is the door to the weekend of time with family and friends.

This image captures joy. It reminds me to look at troublesome issues in a different way and keep a lighter outlook. So Happy Friday and may there be joy in your step this weekend.

We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.~Guatama Buddha

Peace.

Autumn in Ohio Pass

February 6

Thursday from 9:30-10:30 is a precious time for me. I hold it dear and try to keep my schedule clear so that I may participate. I belong to a group of women who meet at our church for a study on a book of the Bible. This year it is James. These are just amazing women with loving hearts and vast wisdom. We laugh, cry, pray, talk and help each other in our walk of faith for living a life of love. They are a community of strength for me and I always leave richer because of our time together.

I also am grateful where I am at on the road of life. I am humbled to hold so much love in my heart and am grateful that my ego is mostly dormant. It occasionally rears its pesky head and I have to hammer it back down. I am deeply grateful for my family and friends who have left their mark on me and added their beauty to my life.

Just feeling incredibly grateful today!

Every human interaction offers you the chance to make things better or to make things worse. ~Barbara Brown Taylor

Peace.

February 5

For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, for love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends.-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I woke this morning to the sound of a distant snow plow and the heater reminding me that it is a frigid world outside. I also woke to the warmth of our home, headed to the coffee machine, and the cabinets full of all the food two people could possibly need. I am grateful; deeply grateful.

We have seasons and this is winter reminding us he is not ready to give in to spring. This is a day for slowing down and looking at that list I have procrastinated about for too long. And this is one of those days that make cleaning out a closet or scanning photos from a scrapbook sound exciting.

Whatever you find yourself doing on this extremely cold day, remember spring will be here before too long. But take time to enjoy what this weather provides whatever that might mean in your home.

We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.- Thornton Wilder

Peace.

February 4
Experiencing peace in an outing in nature's beauty is a treasured gift. One of our family's favorite events in the winter is snowshoeing in the mountains. Freshly fallen snow adds just the right touch and makes everything look pure. We were fortunate to have just the perfect combination on Saturday for our first 'shoe of this winter: fresh deep snow; no wind; mild temperatures; and, the time to enjoy. The silence of the snowy forest was a respite from the busy week. Other than a cross country skier and his dogs, we had this beauty to ourselves. Conversation was enjoyed but so was the sound of nature. Our lab loves this activity the most I believe. She enjoys her freedom off leash and the thrill of snowbanks. Her whole body celebrates this joyous experience.

Taking a break like this is a gift to the soul. It promotes peace of mind and inner calm. I am grateful for trails like this and the time to enjoy them with loved ones.

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature. As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be. And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles. ― Anne Frank, The Diary of a Young Girl

Peace.

February 3

Wake at dawn with a winged heart and give thanks for another day of loving.~Kahlil Gibraun.

It is a new day and we can rejoice and be glad in it. Today is a gift to do with as we wish. This image is a sunrise favorite of mine from a few years ago. Being near the ocean at sunrise is an experience for the soul and reminds me I am a speck in time. Humbling and reassuring.

Gratitude changes the pangs of memory into a tranquil joy- Dietrich Bonhooefer

Peace.

January 31

I am a willing victim and eager participant in Broncomania so I join the throng of people excited about the title game this weekend. It is so fun to have a team in the Superbowl. Week after week they were exciting to watch. I am truly grateful to be silly about the Broncos.

Watching football is so enjoyable but I understand why some find it unappealing. Those three hours of jumping from the couch, squealing at the TV and holding your breath on the big plays is a great escape from reality and just fun.

I was impressed with the maturity of our team. They play as a cohesive team. They appear to be respectable individuals as well. I have great respect for the 37 year old Peyton Manning and his leadership on the team. He coaches while on the field and from the bench when our defense is in play. He is just fun to watch.

So with this excitement I look forward to the game on Sunday. May it be a good clean game without injuries and may the Broncos continue in their driven way over the Seattle Seahawks.

Peace.

January 30

Walking through Central Park especially on a cold day with snow blanketing the ground is peaceful and serene. To take in the reservoir, castle, bridges, and landscape is a peaceful break from the pulsing beat of the Superbowl-primed city. Today, I especially noticed the light and shadows that dress the park. These add more beauty along with the contrast of the snow and beautiful blue sky. What a gift this city has! This is a space that invites all people to relax, contemplate, run, walk, and play.

Come sit with me and be at ease to look upon these wondrous trees on birds and squirrels- what'ere you please and feel heaven in every breeze. ~HR Karpes

Peace.

January 29

Another day in NYC to enjoy with my camera is a gift. The Guggenheim is a magnificent structure in itself as well as an important museum. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the cylindrical museum building is wider at the top than the bottom, and is one of the 20th century's most important architectural landmarks. I mainly wanted to visit for the magnificent spiral ramp. Currently the walkway is closed due to preparations for a major upcoming show so I savored what I could see from the ground up. This is a gift for photographers due to the lead in lines and light.

Frank Lloyd Wright was one of the most talented architects ever. His love of nature was exemplified in his work. He prized the fact that the location for this museum was to be next to Central Park. He stated- The good building is not one that hurts the landscape but one which makes the landscape more beautiful than it was before the building was built.

My time at this magnificent structure filled me with deep gratitude for the timeless talent of this talented architect.

Peace.

January 27th has been one of our favorite days of the year since the birth of our daughter, Sara. Today, as everyday I am extremely grateful for and blessed by her. Her smile lights up a room and her warm, caring heart just fills me with joy. I am grateful to be her mother. Thank you, God.

I identify with a song by Martina McBride. In my daughter's eyes I am a hero; I am strong and wise and I know no fear. But the truth is plain to see; she was sent to rescue me. I see who I want to be in my daughter's eyes.

Peace.

January 24

Serenity is the state of being calm, peaceful and untroubled. Some synonyms of serenity are calmness, peace, tranquility. Antonyms are bustle, turmoil, pandemonium. Serenity is needed in our life to restore us and center us. Where do you find serenity?

Living near the mountains in nature, I enjoy my moments of serenity in nature's beauty. This image was captured when I took the back road to my recent camera club meeting. I left early because the sky was showing signs of promise for a glorious end to the day. With tripod and camera, I found my spot, set the timer and waited all the while keeping a close eye to the changing scene. When my work was done I passed a man in a truck by the side of the road watching the scene. We smiled and shared a few words about what we had experienced. Words were not needed though as the smile said it all.

Serenity reminds me that I am a small piece of a huge universe and I am not at the center of it. So my worries fade away. Serenity offers me the opportunity to enjoy the moment, because the past is gone, I cannot change it and the future is unknown.

Reinhold Niebuhr wrote the Serenity Prayer in 1941 but did not publish it until 1951. His original version is below.

God, give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,

Courage to change the things which should be changed

and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,

Enjoying one moment at a time,

Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,

Taking, as Jesus did,

This sinful world as it is,

Not as I would have it,

Trusting that You will make all things right,

If I surrender to Your will,

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with You forever in the next. Amen

May you find your time or place of serenity and seek it often.

Peace.

January 23

Freshly fallen snow in the morning is a photographer's delight. I am so grateful for the beauty that fresh snow brings to our mountain living. Add to this the soft light of morning and it is a gift of nature. Thank you!

Snow begs me to come forth and take a closer look at nature. It reminds me of Robert Frost's poem, Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening. I do have miles to go before I sleep but the snow begs me again to slow down and enjoy.

It is snow that can awaken memories of things more wonderful than anything you ever knew or dreamed. ~ Frederick Buechner

Peace.

January 22

I remember from It's a Wonderful Life when the older gentleman on the porch shouts down in frustration at Jimmy Stewart, "Youth is wasted on the young!" I can certainly agree with that statement now. As a child time seemed to amble along, summer days drifted by, and it was an eternity before your next birthday. As a child I thought I had plenty of time and many times too much of it.

We have songs about time, poems about time, and scriptures on time. Pete Seeger combined the words of Solomon in Ecclesiastes 3 with music and Turn, Turn, Turn became a popular folk song. There are books about how to make the most of time. It seems we need help with this elusive element of life.

The image on this clock many will recognize as the one at the Musee de Orsay Museum in Paris. I have many shots of the exterior side of this clock. I think this clock is just heroic. It is just a magnificent time piece and example of fine craftsmanship. Photos were allowed in the museum's cafe so I pulled out Bobby's iPhone and took an HDR image. I enjoy seeing Montmartre through the hands of time.

Now time is priceless and I am grateful for every morning I have. To enjoy the moment you are in is a true delight. To look back on the day and feel content is golden.

Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you. ~Carl Sandburg

Peace.

January 21

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. --Nelson Mandela. I am forever grateful to have been a teacher, the daughter and niece of teachers, a sister of a teacher, the mother of a teacher, and an aunt of two teachers. I have a treasure chest of friends who teach. I value the mark an effective, inspiring teacher has on a student. It is truly a priceless gift but unfortunately one that is not valued in our society. It will be a great day when our schools get all the money they need and the Air Force has to hold a bake sale to buy a bomber.--Robert Fulghum.

I had the pleasure of taking our daughter, Sara, lunch last week at her school. Her school is inviting. This image is the poster she made to welcome each student as they enter the classroom. I enjoy being in her classroom because it is a wonderful environment for learning. The students feel safe to learn, share, engage, practice, fail, succeed because of her example and the tone she sets for her classroom.

An inspiring teacher is a precious gift . So thank you Sara, Kasey, Jackie and to all my friends still involved in teaching. You are changing the world.

My teacher thought I was smarter than I was; so I was. --six year old student.

Peace.

January 20

What is virtually weightless, has no exact form, is easily blocked, is both simple and complex, but is also one of the most powerful essentials to life in the universe? There are two answers that come to mind: light and hope. Bob Williams

I found my sunstar and successfully captured it this time during a morning walk on a nearby trail. I had to savor this site after I pressed the shutter for I knew in seconds it would be gone. If hope had a universal face, to me it would be similar to this image. When hope is alive it radiates throughout the body. It gives light to the darkness of a soul and mind. One of the most important things one can do for oneself or others is hope. With hope, action, and persistence all things really are possible. Life is filled with peaks and valleys. When in a valley remember there is a better time just ahead. Be patient.

A verse from Romans comes to mind: Romans 12:12: Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Peace.

January 17

Unique or rare moments in life fill me with peace and I feel one with the world. My heart is filled with sheer gratefulness. This unique moment I observed on our deck one summer as I was enjoying a cup of coffee and the hummingbirds. This amazing little bird was on her rounds sampling every flower when this bloom went with her. I was extremely fortunate to have my camera in hand and capture this whimsical and unique event. Her expression seemed, "Now what?"

I felt much gratitude for being present for this moment one morning. I was not multitasking or distracted by the busyness of life. I rarely notice a unique moment when hurried. It was wonderful to be a visitor and savor this show. There is great peace in these special moments .

"Sometimes I only need to stand where I am to be blessed." Mary Oliver, poet

Peace.

January 16

We are fortunate to have such beautiful free bookends to the day, sunrise and sunset. The sky at dusk has been glorious lately. Unimaginable beauty. Spiritual beauty. It is with sheer gratitude that I even captured this image.

Being entertained with the beauty of the clouds and the glowing of the late afternoon sun is both rewarding and agonizing for a photographer. I witnessed this changing palette of the lovely sky's canvas while finishing errands. Although I was thoroughly entertained by the grandeur, I wanted to find an exit and capture it on camera. By the time I found a spot to press my shutter, the show was almost at its end. I clicked anyway. I am grateful for this gorgeous sunset.

Peace....is seeing a sunset, and knowing who to thank. Unknown

Peace indeed.

January 15

Thank You. Two stand alone words when joined together become powerful and convey sincere appreciation. They are as powerful to say as they are to hear. I love these words. They make me feel wonderful when I say them. They do not even need anything else attached because of their power. When a name is added, they become even more personal. I think the use of these words promotes prosocial behavior.

Anne Fisher, of Fortune Magazine cited a 10-year study of 200,00 managers and employees that found that thanking people for a job well done may lead to bigger profits.

In The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Adam M. Grant and Francesca Gino examined the behavior around thank you. They found that people provided more help when thanked because they appreciated being needed and felt more socially valued when thanked.

In my years of teaching my colleagues and I used the 'catch-them-being-good' line of discipline and thanked the student for the behavior.

I am deeply grateful for this beautiful phrase.

Meister Eckhart, a German theologian, philosopher and mystic stated, " If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough."

Peace.

January 14

Here in the foothills we have had the presence of a rather rude intruder the past few days, the wind. 73 mph gusts rearrange the cover on deck furniture and endanger the traffic on the roads. When it is windy life just seems unbalanced to me. Maybe it is because nothing in nature looks quite right to me. I just think wind is uncalled for altogether.

I awoke this morning to silence and beautiful falling snow. What a gift! The quiet beauty of the snow encouraged me to slow my step and enjoy. The birds' song seems sweeter in the quiet snow. I grabbed my camera and stepped outside heading to our neighbor's feeder. Black-capped chickadees enjoy our meadows in the winter and are frequent visitors. I am filled with thanks for this time with nature. Thank you wind for your absence today. Feel free to stay away awhile. We will be fine.

"Air becomes wind when it is agitated."~
" Titus Lucretius Carus

Peace.

January 13

Community is defined as a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common; a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals. M. Scott Peck, an American psychiatrist and best-selling author, best known for his book, The Road Less Traveled stated the following on community: There can be no vulnerability without risk; there can be no community without vulnerability; there can be no peace, and ultimately no life, without community.

We belong to communities from where we live, to our faith group, to the activities or groups we enjoy, and to our work to name a few. The aspect of community that I focus on today is the town or city. These past few years we have seen a plethora of natural disasters- tornadoes, earthquakes, epic storms, wildfires and floods. Here in Colorado last year we experienced wildfires and an epic flood. During these times of devastation we see the gift of community. People reaching out helping those affected. It is powerful.

The towns of Lyons, CO and Estes Park were two of the most affected by Colorado's September flood. 17 inches of rainfall was just too much for our waterways and reservoirs. Lyons and Estes Park were isolated from the rest of the state due to the new paths the rivers carved as well as the highways and bridges destroyed or greatly compromised. Once people were safely rescued the enormous issues of safe water and sewer lines took weeks to solve along with the months of rebuilding of roads to transport people and supplies for the long road of recovery. People suffered greatly. Lives were lost, homes and cars were destroyed or greatly damaged. The business community of these towns suffered greatly and some had to close their doors for good. Many workers had no job to go to. Schools had to be relocated. These locals helped each other rebuild along with the wonderful help from outside volunteers. It was widely publicized that Lyons and Estes Park were open for business recently and they needed people to bring some life back to the businesses that survived.

We spent Saturday afternoon in Lyons. The spirit of the locals was impressive. The bond of this community was powerful and positive. Workers appreciated our business and we certainly felt good giving it to them. The stories they told were touching. It was a delightful day of enjoyment of a nearby community. I was filled with gratitude.

I close with a quote by Frederick Buechner, The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt.

Peace.

January 10

Failure is an avenue for gratitude. Failure allows ample room for grace. Failure is frustrating, sometimes painful, embarrassing, always humbling. It is through failure lie the best chance for growth.

Ralph Waldo Emerson stated: Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail.

I experience failure often in my photography so I will use different camera settings and take many shots. I check my histogram and monitor after shooting for lighting, focus and depth of field. When I upload my images on my computer I am hopeful that I nailed it on some images. Often I notice a problematic area, and if it is a doozy ,it can cause me to question my reason for photography. Then if I am not careful the negative floodgates open.

This week the clouds and light were exceptional one day so I went out with high hopes to Red Rocks. Here in this image the 'failure' was fixable and cropping came in handy to eliminate the sunspot and purple glare. Next time I will have a better chance to eliminate the occurrence of these. This is my best and surest route to mastery for I am one who learns best from trial and error (the hard way!)

Failures make successes all the sweeter for when I nail an image I am flooded with gratitude. It is my wish here that on your next failure remember to be kinder to yourself and get back up and try again.
There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.
~ Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Peace.

January 9

These talented women with loving hearts provide a great service to our Evergreen Lutheran Church. Have you ever wondered who organizes meals for the sick, food for fellowship, brunches and receptions in your church? It might just be some special souls like the group I am highlighting today. I am so very grateful to be a part of this group. We organized the years' jobs, shared colorful stories, laughed and enjoyed hearty soup from our member Jackie. We even celebrated a special birthday for Barb. It is a real blessing to be involved with these women. They have touched my life in unlimited ways. (Not pictured- Karen Phillipe)

Peace.

January 8

I am sharing a celebration and piece of gratitude today for it is the 43rd anniversary of Bobby asking me to go steady! We were babes! I was a sophomore and he was a senior in high school.

Do young couples 'go steady' these days?

We have gone through life's joyful and challenging events together which has made our bond stronger. We made a beautiful daughter and now enjoy a wonderful son-in-law.

I am sincerely grateful for this wonderful rock of a husband.

Peace.

January 7

I am so thankful and grateful for the parents, teachers, grandparents, and people in general who teach children and adolescents about differences. In this herd of elk this bull was just one of the group. This deformity of the antlers had to be uncomfortable for the elk.

It brought to mind a commercial I have seen on television. It is the one about getting rid of cable and it depicts a man bitten by a bee which results in a deformity of his face. It ends with a group of children laughing at him while he eeks out a living as a lone fisherman.

Now I know it is just a commercial and while I typically mute them or leave the room this troubled me. What about the people who are not discriminating and view this as legitimately funny? With the recent bullying and plethora of troubled people doing terrible things I just wish we could see positive creativity in our commercials. Has anyone else noticed this?

Thank you to all of you who are the positive light in an impressionable person's life.

"One who is kind is sympathetic and gentle with others. He is considerate of others' feelings and courteous in his behavior. He has a helpful nature. Kindness pardons others' weaknesses and faults. Kindness is extended to all -- to the aged and the young, to animals, to those low of station as well as the high." -Ezra Taft Benson

"One who is kind is sympathetic and gentle with others. He is considerate of others' feelings and courteous in his behavior. He has a helpful nature. Kindness pardons others' weaknesses and faults. Kindness is extended to all -- to the aged and the young, to animals, to those low of station as well as the high." -Ezra Taft Benson
One who is kind is sympathetic and gentle with others. He is considerate of others' feelings and courteous in his behavior. He has a helpful nature.
Kindness pardons others' weaknesses and faults. Kindness is extended to all -- to the aged and the young, to animals, to those low of station as well as the high.~Ezra Taft Benson
Peace.

January 6

It is bitter cold outside and here in the foothills there is high wind. It doesn't sound comforting does it? Yet today for the first morning in two days our bluebird-blue sky has returned and that makes my heart zing. The beauty of our white snow and this gorgeous sky fill my heart with peace and gratitude.

I could not go out in it so I captured this from our bathroom skylight in the mid morning light.

Peace to all.

January 4

I was not going to post today but it is so beautiful outside. I state this because we cannot go anywhere because of feeling icky so this cold snowy day can be enjoyed from a warm home. It calls for another cup of tea and a good book by the fireplace. It is not very often that snowfall comes at a good time. But this Saturday, I am hoping that it can be enjoyed by all that do not have to work and deal with the roads. Speaking of the roads I have an abundance of gratitude for the road workers who left their warm homes to keep the roads safe.

I am thankful that this is a peaceful storm.

Peace.

January 3

I have such gratitude for our dog, and I learn much about life from our sweet 4 1/2 year old black lab. She adds such joy to our life. She has mastered unconditional love and patience, two characteristics I continue to polish. She knows she is a part of our family and fits in perfectly. She charms us with her antics. During a football celebration she will join in the celebration by chasing her tail. Another touchdown-chase tail. The love she has given I hope has been equally returned. She fills our souls with gratitude.

Peace.

JSW_8624*

January 2,
Mementos house special memories of a special or unique time. I enjoy them. Our Christmas tree has ornaments from every year of our marriage that represent a special time or event that year. Two of these are nearest and dearest to me and
fill my heart with gratitude. One is a Currier and Ives painted glass ball ornament we bought on our honeymoon at Joskes
Department Store. That sentence was laced with nostalgia! I have not seen a Currier and Ives
ornament in a very long time. And Joskes, I am not certain when they closed their doors. We hang it carefully every year and store it in it's original box. It was expensive for us on our budget then so Bobby and I had to think about it.
The second ornament is one Sara made in second grade in Mrs. Mimi Smith's class in 1990. Of course the picture of her is adorable but I am touched by the love that went in to making it. I am also charmed by the rust that has developed over the years.
I am so very grateful for these precious memories that remind me of all the love in my life.
Peace.

January 1

A sunrise centers me for the day; I see God's artwork painted across the sky and it fills me with gratitude and hope. Gratitude for the beauty and peace of this moment and hope for the day ahead. What a beautiful first sunrise of 2014! I am grateful that I slipped out of a warm bed and the arms of my warm, sleeping husband. 2013 is in the past and I am grateful for all it taught me. Happy New Year!